Painshill
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Painshill is a beautiful award-winning 18th century landscape garden in Surrey. The 160 acre wonderland has something for everyone and makes a great family day out. Discover the mystical follies, historic plantings, the John Bartram Heritage Collection of North American trees and shrubs (Plant Heritage, NCCPG), and some of Surrey's amazing wildlife. You can spend a whole day at Painshill or there are shorter accessible routes around the Serpentine Lake. Dogs on short leads are welcome. Bring a picnic or visit Hamilton's Tea Room. Visit the Painshill Shop for gifts, greeting cards and to buy Painshill English Sparkling Wine.
Cobham, Surrey, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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4.5
756 reviews
Excellent
451
Very good
206
Average
47
Poor
24
Terrible
28
Eloise Simmons
Woking, UK157 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We booked online for the Painshill Park Summer Lates which did not disappoint. For only £8 each my partner and I were able to walk around the whole park, which is absolutely beautiful, and enjoy the stunning scenery, then finish the evening in the Ampitheatre area where there were food and drink trucks, as well as a live band playing.
This is the first time we’ve been “out” since lockdown and felt completely safe and at ease. The place was signposted to remind guests about social distancing which was in place the whole evening. There was anti bac on arrival and we had to queue to enter the grotto to ensure there weren’t too many people inside - very impressed with this.
The Summer Late entry is open from 5pm-9pm which meant we could stroll around the park and take in the stunning views, and didn’t feel pressured or rushed to walk around. The food and drink vans were a nice addition to the evening and we did order a pizza when watching the live music, however it took nearly an hour before it was ready and was quite small and pricey! Apart from that, it was a lovely evening enjoyed by all 😌
This is the first time we’ve been “out” since lockdown and felt completely safe and at ease. The place was signposted to remind guests about social distancing which was in place the whole evening. There was anti bac on arrival and we had to queue to enter the grotto to ensure there weren’t too many people inside - very impressed with this.
The Summer Late entry is open from 5pm-9pm which meant we could stroll around the park and take in the stunning views, and didn’t feel pressured or rushed to walk around. The food and drink vans were a nice addition to the evening and we did order a pizza when watching the live music, however it took nearly an hour before it was ready and was quite small and pricey! Apart from that, it was a lovely evening enjoyed by all 😌
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lizandianp
surrey913 contributions
Jun 2020
So pleased to be back.
There are stringent distancing measures in place but the cafe is still open with well spaced tables under the trees.
The grotto, play area and tower are closed.
There are portaloos and the normal disabled toilet is open.
On line booking is required unless you are a Painshill or Historic House member.
There are stringent distancing measures in place but the cafe is still open with well spaced tables under the trees.
The grotto, play area and tower are closed.
There are portaloos and the normal disabled toilet is open.
On line booking is required unless you are a Painshill or Historic House member.
Written 14 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jean F
Great Bookham, UK259 contributions
Feb 2023
Normally we visit Painshill regularly, but this was our first visit for a couple of years. It was good to park in the much improved car park, plenty of spaces and no potholes! We arrived at about 1.30, so enjoyed lunch in the cafe, sandwiches and delicious cakes, 10% reduction for members. There were some hot options available. On a sunny Friday early in February, it was very busy, so we sat outside. Afterwards we had an enjoyable walk around part of the lake, plenty of birds to see, plus snowdrops, cyclamen, early crocus and daffodils. We ended with a browse in the gift shop, again 10% reduction for members. Be aware that the whole place, including the car park, shuts at 4 pm at present, so you need to allow for this. For those who have not visited, this is a beautiful landscaped garden with a number of interesting follies, the most unusual being the Turkish Tent. Highly recommended.
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Silver Dancer
1 contribution
Feb 2021
I love Painshil and visit regularly as I live nearby. However, todays' otherwise delightful visit was marred by the behaviour of a member of staff in the coffee shop. Orders are having to be made via a kiosk arrangement. Members of the public queue outside and are outside when they order. The staff inside the coffee shop are also behind a perspex screen. Face Coverings are not mandated out of doors and so I did not see the need to discuss them at all. As I approached the kiosk, the member of staff barked something about wearing a mask. I pointed out that we were outdoors and she responded that the wind was blowing into the coffee bar! I then produced my hidden disabilities exemption card and proceeded with the order. If this member of staff is that frightened, she should arguably not be in a front-facing role. Face coverings are not mandated outside.
Written 22 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to pass on your feedback, and we’re sorry to hear you were disappointed by your experience yesterday at Painshill. I will share your concern about the staff member you encountered to our Food and Beverage Manager.
We do at Painshill ask our visitors to wear face masks when outside the tea room kiosk, and this is following the advice we sought from the Health and Safety Executive for Hospitality. Asking both visitors and staff to wear face masks gives the greatest chance of reducing the risk of the virus spreading, and it helps ensure both visitors and our staff feel safe. We do have signage in place advising visitors of this measure before reaching the kiosk, but I will review how we can make this clearer for our visitors.
I hope this clarifies our reason for this measure and we look forward to welcoming you back at Painshill soon.
With best wishes,
Visitor Experience Manager
Written 23 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jilly E
Wells, UK5 contributions
Jul 2021
What a gem of a place this is! I surprised my partner Phil with a trip to Painshill planned around the Prosecco afternoon tea as it was his 60th birthday on the day we visited in July 2021. Kerry, the Food and Beverage Manager was so helpful as the very day I wanted to book there were no available slots online. This was a technical error and Kelly managed to confirm my booking and give me peace of mind about the surprise. Her communication was spot on and the afternoon tea was fantastic! She went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience and I can't thank her enough for that. Afternoon tea was served in the Abercorn Room which was small and personal and there were only 4 other couples having afternoon tea. Staff were friendly and welcoming and all in all it was a great experience. Cakes and sandwiches were so delicious!
Prior to the tea, we walked around the grounds. There is so much to see at Painshill and it's very well maintained. We particularly loved the Crystal Grotto. The price of the afternoon tea includes entrance to the grounds and there was lots of free parking available. We stayed about 3.5 hours in total.
This place is amazing and I'd definitely recommend a visit. Thank you Painshill for making Phil's 60th birthday special.
Prior to the tea, we walked around the grounds. There is so much to see at Painshill and it's very well maintained. We particularly loved the Crystal Grotto. The price of the afternoon tea includes entrance to the grounds and there was lots of free parking available. We stayed about 3.5 hours in total.
This place is amazing and I'd definitely recommend a visit. Thank you Painshill for making Phil's 60th birthday special.
Written 4 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,705 contributions
Jul 2020
You don't expect to find a Turkish Tent up on a ridge with views across the Surrey countryside, but here it is!
One of the many features of Painshill Park, this was the last stop on their tour of the gardens where visitors stopped for tea (Turkish) or other refreshments.
The Hon Charles Hamilton created the picturesque garden around the lake with its bridges between 1738 and 1773, each building carefully positioned to gain the best views.
The vineyard is of course new. This year's grapes will be picked in September and the wine made from them will be available in 2022.
I had often seen the sign for the Park when travelling down the A3 but had never visited it. I am sorry that we had not visited before as we had a thoroughly enjoyable time exploring the 18th century landscape and its great views, even though with social distancing some areas like the Grotto and the Tower were closed for interior access.
The café was open, as was the shop, and many people had brought picnics to have with their children.
The only downside came in the 20th century when the Gothic Tower gained a modern electrical partner. How could the anyone have allowed this?
One of the many features of Painshill Park, this was the last stop on their tour of the gardens where visitors stopped for tea (Turkish) or other refreshments.
The Hon Charles Hamilton created the picturesque garden around the lake with its bridges between 1738 and 1773, each building carefully positioned to gain the best views.
The vineyard is of course new. This year's grapes will be picked in September and the wine made from them will be available in 2022.
I had often seen the sign for the Park when travelling down the A3 but had never visited it. I am sorry that we had not visited before as we had a thoroughly enjoyable time exploring the 18th century landscape and its great views, even though with social distancing some areas like the Grotto and the Tower were closed for interior access.
The café was open, as was the shop, and many people had brought picnics to have with their children.
The only downside came in the 20th century when the Gothic Tower gained a modern electrical partner. How could the anyone have allowed this?
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davidofepsom40
Epsom, UK84 contributions
Aug 2021
As might be deduced, we are fairly local yet had never visited Painshill Park. We at last decided that for once we would not drive past but would actually go there.
This really is a lovely park. We walked the 'historic route' which is clearly marked on the complimentary maps that are provided. There are a number of interesting sites and beautiful views over the unspoilt Surrey countryside. Staff were friendly with volunteer guides interested to know what we thought and tell us a bit more about the place. The catering is a bit basic though here too the staff are friendly - and the coffee is good. There is a well appointed area where one can have one's lunch, whether purchased from the cafe or not. We greatly enjoyed our visit and wondered why we had stayed away for so long.
I would have awarded a five-score were it not for the fact that pre-booking is necessary . We accepted that this was necessary for most attractions during earlier phases of the pandemic but it was something of a pain as it removed any spontaneity of decision taking and one could not be sure of the weather if booking days ahead (though to be fair we were able to book Painshill for the next day, so could be fairly sure of the weather). Now that the nearby Wisley RHS Gardens, as well as the National Trust and English Heritage, have dispensed with this requirement, I would have thought Painshill could do so as well?
This really is a lovely park. We walked the 'historic route' which is clearly marked on the complimentary maps that are provided. There are a number of interesting sites and beautiful views over the unspoilt Surrey countryside. Staff were friendly with volunteer guides interested to know what we thought and tell us a bit more about the place. The catering is a bit basic though here too the staff are friendly - and the coffee is good. There is a well appointed area where one can have one's lunch, whether purchased from the cafe or not. We greatly enjoyed our visit and wondered why we had stayed away for so long.
I would have awarded a five-score were it not for the fact that pre-booking is necessary . We accepted that this was necessary for most attractions during earlier phases of the pandemic but it was something of a pain as it removed any spontaneity of decision taking and one could not be sure of the weather if booking days ahead (though to be fair we were able to book Painshill for the next day, so could be fairly sure of the weather). Now that the nearby Wisley RHS Gardens, as well as the National Trust and English Heritage, have dispensed with this requirement, I would have thought Painshill could do so as well?
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janine
6 contributions
Oct 2020
A fabulous place to visit whether on your own or in a small group. Our WI group visited on 1 October and were greeted by very friendly staff. The parkland was beautiful to stroll around and the sun shining off the water was amazing. We had pre-booked tea and cake to follow our walk and the lovely lady who baked and served the cakes to us did us proud! They were delicious. Everything was very well organised with plenty of hand sanitiser and marked routes to allow social distancing from the car park and through the entrance area. Highly recommend a visit, whether you wish to have a gentle stroll over a short distance or a faster paced walk to cover the whole park. Plenty to see along the way.
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Newburyboy
Cold Ash, UK265 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited with our family just recently, having been here only once before in the early summer. At this time of the year parks and gardens are not always looking their best but Painshill has something wonderful to offer all year round. We started with a lunch in the great little cafe by the entrance then walked the paths and climbed up to the hill with its wonderful views before coming back for tea and scones. In all we were there for four hours and it was an absolute pleasure, with the added bonus of some late sunshine and blue skies!
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah H
Pontypridd, Wales, United Kingdom16 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We visited here recently and had a great day. The approach road does need to be repaired as some of the potholes could damage the cars.
We booked the same day and this was no problem. We followed the red route and saw all of the recommended sites. We were amazed at how beautiful and vast this place seemed. We did miss information at the bakhus temple as there didn't appear to be any information on any boards anywhere, so it would be great if you rectify this.
We found it good value for money and we're pleased that we found somewhere that matched our interests at short notice.
Visit if you enjoy peace and beautiful scenery!
We booked the same day and this was no problem. We followed the red route and saw all of the recommended sites. We were amazed at how beautiful and vast this place seemed. We did miss information at the bakhus temple as there didn't appear to be any information on any boards anywhere, so it would be great if you rectify this.
We found it good value for money and we're pleased that we found somewhere that matched our interests at short notice.
Visit if you enjoy peace and beautiful scenery!
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review and its great to hear you enjoyed your trip to us. We have recently launched a free audio tour with the Candide App, which you can download anytime, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about the Park including the Temple of Bacchus. If you do visit us again and choose to listen to the audio tour, we would love to hear your feedback and you can email us on customerservices@painshill.co.uk!
Thanks very much for choosing to visit Painshill Park.
Best wishes,
Visitor Experience Manager
Written 20 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IS there’s a free car park ? Do you have group admission offers ?
Written 10 April 2019
Hi, free parking, but look on the website for admission offers. Enjoy. Sorry its late on this reply.
Written 14 April 2019
Why the director is replying to any complaints with a standard reply as I would expect a personal reply to my problems after they have taken £42 off me to see illuminations that were not worth 1/3 of the money I paid. Carol Wilson
Written 10 December 2018
Just shows that it takes years to build a reputation and moments to loose it.
Written 11 December 2018
Hi, how long does can it take? So as to be able to see the cave and walk around Painshill.
Written 17 November 2018
Painshill
Cobham, United Kingdom
Dear Visitor,
The Crystal Grotto is predominantly open on the weekends (in Winter hours this would be between 12:30-14:30). If you came on a weekend and visited all of our follies including the grotto you would want to give yourself 1.5 - 2 hours to enjoy the park.
Kind regards,
Painshill Staff
Written 19 November 2018
Hi, is the grotto open Monday to Friday? Is it open tomorrow monday (14 may 2018)? Can we buy the tickets there on the spot rather than online? Thanks
Written 13 May 2018
Hi, by the sounds of it, I am to late to answer you. I hope you had a lovely time.
Written 16 May 2018
Traveling by train to Painshill, is it less expensive to buy train tickets ahead of time or is the price the same the day of travel?
Written 17 April 2018
You don't need a taxi from Conham station to Painshill Park! It is only two miles away and buses run along the Stoke road and sometimes from the station.
Written 12 December 2018
The tickets are £7-70 for adults, £6-60 for concessions, £4-20 for children aged 4-16 years, and a family ticket for 2 adults and up to 4 children is £25..If like ourselves you are members of the National Art Fund there is a 25% discount.
Written 5 January 2018
Is the grotto open between christmas and new year , and specially the 29/12 ?
Written 15 December 2017
Painshill
Cobham, United Kingdom
Hi,
Thank you for your message. Yes, we are open on the 29th December from 10am - 4pm.
Please feel free to check our website for more information.
Kind regards
Jonathan
Written 28 December 2017
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